Multi-part reinforcement clip to allow attachment to a raised seam roof

ABSTRACT

This is a multi part clip installed under the seam of a raised seam roof that allows secure attachment of objects to the roof. One component of the invention is a base clip constructed from thin gage sheet metal and having multiple holes with some dimpled for fasteners. Another component of the invention is a vertical clip also constructed from thin gage sheet metal and having slots on either side to allow fasteners for attachment through the vertical clip. The two components when installed under a new or a pre-existing raised seam roof allows secure permanent or temporary attachment of objects using clamping force applied over the reinforcement clip without the need for deforming or changing the visual esthetics of the roof panels. This produces more support for vertical, lateral, and downward pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method of securely attaching objects to araised seam roof without damaging, deforming or changing the visualesthetics of the roof panels. A raised seam roof system is made up ofmultiple panels formed to have interlocking seams. These connections, orseams, run the length of the entire roof and are spaced evenly along itswidth providing both a visually appealing roof and protection fromexterior elements. Because of the thin gage of the sheet metal used increating the roof panels they have very little weight bearing capabilitywithout drilling into or fastened thru the roof panels into the sub roofor structural parts of the building. The present methods used oftendeform or leave holes in the panel that must be sealed to avoid leaksand thereby requiring a significant amount of time to seal the holes inthe roof panels to avoid leaks.

Accordingly, there is presently a need for a method allowing securetemporary or permanent attachment of objects to a raised seam roofingsystem without deforming, puncturing, or drilling holes into the roofpanels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be highly desirable to provide a method for a reinforcedattachment point, or points, to a raised seam roof without deforming,drilling into, or changing the visual esthetics of raised seam roofpanels.

It would be highly desirable to provide a method of attachment witchtakes into account the normal expansion and contraction of the roofpanels due to changes in the ambient temperature.

Furthermore, the invention would allow temporary attachment points on aroof for fall protection during repair or regular maintenance on theroof or permanent attachment of other types of objects.

Finally, the invention would allow installation onto new or persistingroofs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the vertical and lower member of thereinforcement clip.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing each part of thereinforcement clip.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the clip installed and an objectattached by way of a clamping force to the clip area of the raised seamroof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention will now be described in relation to theaccompanying drawings that assist in illustrating its various pertinentfeatures.

FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the invention clipassembly 2 showing the main parts made up of a vertical member 4 and thelower member 5.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the parts that are installed under theraised seam roof 11. The vertical member 4 is inserted into the lowermember 5. The fasteners 6 are driven through holes 7 into the sub roof9.

FIG. 3 presents the proper installation of the invention, forconvenience hereby referred to as the clip assembly 2 is installed undera raised standing seam 3 of a raised seam roof 11. The vertical member 4of the reinforcement clip assembly 2 is inserted into the lower member 5of the reinforcement clip 2. The attachment of the clip assembly 2 ontothe sub roof 12 is accomplished by use of fasteners 6 driven through theholes 7 present in the clip lower member 5 and the slots 8 the clipvertical member 4. The fasteners 6 are driven through both parts of theclip 2 and into the sub roof 12 with enough force to secure the clip 2to the sub roof 12 through dimpled holes on the bottom of plate whichprevents it from being tightly driven as to restrict movement of thedimpled holes which vertical member 4 fits over thus allowing forexpansion.

FIG. 3 shows the installed clip 2 under a raised standing seam 3 and theattachment of a clamping force device to securely attach objects to theraised standing seam 3. The clamping force device 10 rests upon theraised standing seam 3 and applies clamping force horizontally to thestanding seam 3 and thereby to the clips vertical member 4.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of attaching objects to a raised seamroof without drilling hole into the roof panels.
 2. A method ofattachment that allows both temporary and permanent attachment ofobjects to a raised seam roof.
 3. A method of attachment that allowsmultiple contact points on a raised seam roof allowing for loaddistribution.
 4. A method of reinforced attachment that meets or exceedsOSHA standards for fall protection attachment.
 5. A method of attachmentreinforcement that is underneath the roof panel seams and does notchange the roofs visual appearance.
 6. A method of attachmentreinforcement that allows for normal expansion and contraction of theroof panels.